Rob Portman: “just briefly, I think the gentleman from Vermont [Mr. Sanders] makes a very sound point as to cost effectiveness, and…”

“just briefly, I think the gentleman from Vermont [Mr. Sanders] makes a very sound point as to cost effectiveness, and the benefits of preventive care is one example. It is a consideration Congress ought to take into account on the floor and even in committee. What CBO told us that they can do and they are required to do under this legislation, if we look at title III, a net savings analysis. In other words, they will look at quantifiable costs and benefits, but CBO, as my colleague stated, simply cannot do the more subjective analysis. Committees can do that. In fact they are required under this legislation to look at both the costs and benefits and that will then come to the floor. The gentleman makes a good point, that the point of this legislation is to have an accountability and to have informed, deliberate debate on the floor of the House. The benefits will be analyzed by the committee. That information will be in the committee report, and the report will be part of the debate on the floor.”